The term "herd of pigs" is most notably associated with the New Testament account of Jesus casting demons into a herd of swine. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, and Luke 8:26-39. The narrative is a significant demonstration of Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His power to deliver those who are oppressed.

Biblical Account:

In the Gospel of Mark, the account begins with Jesus and His disciples arriving in the region of the Gerasenes. As soon as Jesus steps out of the boat, He is met by a man possessed by an unclean spirit. This man lived among the tombs and was so violent that no one could bind him, not even with chains (Mark 5:3-4). The possessed man, upon seeing Jesus from a distance, ran and fell on his knees before Him, crying out, "What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You not to torment me!" (Mark 5:7).

Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out of the man, and when He asks for the spirit's name, it replies, "My name is Legion, for we are many" (Mark 5:9). The demons beg Jesus not to send them out of the region but instead to allow them to enter a nearby herd of pigs. Jesus grants their request, and the unclean spirits enter the pigs, causing the entire herd—about two thousand in number—to rush down the steep bank into the sea and drown (Mark 5:12-13).

Cultural and Theological Context:

The presence of a herd of pigs in this account is significant, especially considering Jewish dietary laws that deemed pigs unclean (Leviticus 11:7-8). The setting in the region of the Gerasenes, a predominantly Gentile area, explains the presence of swine herding, which would have been uncommon in Jewish territories.

Theologically, this event underscores Jesus' authority over evil and His compassion for individuals tormented by demonic forces. The destruction of the pigs serves as a vivid illustration of the destructive nature of evil and the liberation that comes through Christ. The reaction of the townspeople, who plead with Jesus to leave their region after witnessing the event, highlights the tension between economic interests and spiritual deliverance.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The herd of pigs can be seen as a symbol of the impurity and chaos that the demonic forces bring. The dramatic end of the pigs in the sea may also symbolize the ultimate defeat and judgment of evil. This narrative invites reflection on the cost of spiritual deliverance and the priorities of those who witness the power of God.

Impact on the Delivered Man:

After the demons are cast out, the man is found sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, a testament to the transformative power of Jesus (Mark 5:15). When the man desires to follow Jesus, he is instead instructed to return to his home and tell his friends what the Lord has done for him, spreading the news of Jesus' mercy throughout the Decapolis (Mark 5:19-20).

This account of the herd of pigs remains a powerful testament to Jesus' dominion over evil and His mission to bring freedom and restoration to those in bondage.